Environmental activists Ken Ward and Jonathan ‘‘Jay’’ O’Hara say they
don’t intend to dispute many of the facts of the case during their jury
trial, which opens Sept. 8 in Fall River District Court. Instead, they
want to prove that global warming is real and that bold action is needed
to stabilize the planet, according to their website, LobsterBoatBlockade.org.

The two are charged with disturbing the peace, conspiracy, failure to
act to avoid a collision, and negligent operation of a motor vessel for
the May 2013 incident at the Brayton Point Power Station in Somerset.
[...]

The defendants say they face months, if not years, in prison if
convicted. A spokesman for the Bristol district attorney’s office
declined to comment.

The protest delayed one shipment of coal for one day. That's worth "years" in prison?

How is the public's safety enhanced by trying to imprison these activists? Was Big Coal in danger of scratching its anchor?
The only message being sent here is that DISSENT WILL NOT BE TOLERATED,
even if the status quo is steering us towards catastrophe.